Releasing of Starter Toolkits to 40 STEP Scholars

Hon. Alberto T. Ungab, City Councilor of Davao City’s 3rd District, led the release of starter toolkits to forty (40) graduates of Bread and Pastry Production NC II under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) on behalf of his brother, Hon. Isidro T. Ungab, Davao City’s 3rd District Congressional Representative on March 7, 2024. The distribution occurred at two separate locations. Firstly, in Brgy. Malagos, Baguio District, where fifteen beneficiaries were covered. Hon. Maria Corazon S. Liong, Barangay Kagawad, warmly welcomed the guests and expressed support for her fellow graduates. Secondly, at the Provincial Training Center – Davao, where twenty-five beneficiaries from the Deca Homes Women's Association in Brgy. Tacunan, Tugbok District, Davao City, got their toolkits.

Every scholar received a toolkit that included a 45-liter Electric Oven and Electric Mixer with all the necessary attachments, which served as their essential equipment for their livelihood undertakings. Hon. Abet Ungab emphasized to the beneficiaries that their endeavors are aimed at securing the future of their families and children. He reiterated the commitment of Congressman Isidro T. Ungab's office to consistently support the STEP scholarship program, especially in providing entrepreneurial assistance to the women's sector.

The toolkit distribution was also attended by Felipe C. Hiquial Jr. – Technical Adviser for Barangays affairs, Jonathan D. Samillano – Supply Officer designate, Jessa Jessah E. Fuerzas – Admin Head Designate, and Rica Jean B. Gascon – Finance Head Designate.

The beneficiaries have expressed eagerness to utilize the skills they acquired in the training and have conveyed immense gratitude for the equipment. This has further motivated them to pursue baking and generate income from their passion.

JOY C. LARANO - Overseas Filipino Worker Welder! Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II

Every father’s dream is nothing but the best for his family. To be a great provider and be that solid rock his family can depend on.

Joy C. Larano, 40, felt overjoyed when he received the opportunity to work abroad after completing his training and obtaining certification in Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II back in 2008.

He has tried his luck in the Philippines, and landed so many jobs to provide for his family, having been married at a very young age of 22. As his family was growing and the needs were also increasing the salary, he was earning from his job he has in the country was never enough to supply the needs of his family.

Full of hope to provide a better life for his family, having experienced how hard it is to have barely enough being the son of a farmer and a housekeeper, he never stopped searching for opportunities. This search brought him to enroll in Shielded Metal Arc Welding. He equipped himself with skills upon learning that Welders have been in demand abroad.

True enough, after he got certified, he got hired at an Aramco Project, Powerplant, Oil Refinery, and Jet Fuel Tank as a Welder at Hidada, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

After 6 years of working overseas, he made the decision to finally come home for good and manage their piggery, livestock, and many other businesses that he was able to build from his hard-earned money abroad.

His TESDA experience was indeed a life-changing moment for him as it led him to realize his dreams not only for himself but for his family above all.

Brief History of the Provincial Training Center - Davao!

The Provincial Training Center-Davao (PTC-Davao) stands as a cornerstone of vocational training excellence in Davao City. Since its inception in 1995, it has served as a catalyst for skill development, strategically positioned just 14 kilometers south of Davao City's core, en route to Bukidnon Province. The center owes its existence to the foresight and dedication of the late Hon. Elias V. Lopez, whose vision for rural development materialized through the Countryside Development Fund. Securing a 300-square-meter plot from the Davao City Government marked the inception of PTC-Davao, setting the stage for its enduring legacy in technical education.

From humble beginnings with a core team of seven staff members, PTC-Davao swiftly distinguished itself as a beacon of vocational training. Initially focusing on three key trade areas—Computer Hardware Servicing, Building Wiring Installation, and Welding and Steel Fabrication—the center equipped each program with comprehensive tools and equipment, ensuring a robust learning environment. Over time, these foundational programs evolved into registered qualifications, reflecting PTC-Davao's adaptability to industry demands and regulatory standards.

The journey of PTC-Davao has been one of evolution and expansion, marked by both triumphs and challenges. The center's commitment to excellence propelled it to expand its course offerings, incorporating additional qualifications such as Masonry, Carpentry, Plumbing, and Organic Agriculture Production, among others. However, limitations in the training areas, facilities, and resources posed hurdles, leading to the voluntary closure of programs. Despite these setbacks, PTC-Davao remained steadfast in its mission to empower individuals with relevant skills, preparing them for meaningful contributions to the workforce and beyond.

PTC-Davao's Institutional Development Plan for 2024-2028 aims to further enhance its offerings and facilities, ensuring the continuation of its legacy as a beacon of vocational training. The plan underscores the importance of adapting to changing industry landscapes, maintaining high standards in training and technology, and fostering leadership qualities among its trainees. With a steadfast commitment to these goals, PTC-Davao is poised to continue its vital role in the development of a skilled workforce, contributing significantly to the region's prosperity.

A MESSAGE FULL OF INSPIRATION, A CALL FOR A MISSION! REPAIRING A BROKEN PAST TOWARDS A FUNCTIONING PRESENT - Ruben Villacencio’s Ring to Success

A 34-year-old technician named Ruben Villacencio was born and raised in Davao Oriental, San Isidro. He’s the sixth child in their family. He has two elder brothers, two younger sisters, and two younger brothers, and he did not mention the rest of his siblings since he came from a large family. Just like the others struggling financially, he is also a victim of circumstance. His life in the province was quite difficult; his parents couldn’t afford to send him to school. For them to have something to eat, he had to cultivate crops like corn, bananas, and coconuts. Despite this, he finished his elementary education at Laak Davao de Oro.

His parents were even constantly fighting because of different matters; one day, a fight between his parents changed his life. When his father was about to hit his mother, it was Ruben hit at the back and front of the head. It bled a lot. His eyes were affected, which caused him to be half-blind. He recalled it was a painful experience for him, and he can’t even put it into words. At 12, his father died, and he had to stand as a father for his family to survive. He said to himself that he had to multiply his efforts to live a comfortable life. These bitter experiences pushed him to venture into the city and decide to be a working student to sustain his basic needs. The drive he had in his heart to get out of poverty gave him strength.

He was a working student throughout high school and attended only Sunday classes. He worked as a salesman for cellphone accessories at Brgy. Mintal. He had done this for four years until he finished high school. He decided not to enter college, and in 2011, he decided to set up a small business, which is a cellphone repair business. When he was just starting, he was only selling chargers, SIM cards, and cellphone cases. He even borrowed 10,000 pesos as capital from his elder brother. After only a year, his business grew and continues to expand up to this day. 

In 2015, he underwent an assessment in Consumer Electronics Service, which was amended in 2016 to Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing NC II, at the Provincial Training Center Davao. He passed the assessment but wasn’t able to get a national certificate because he lost his claim stub. Years passed, and he decided to enroll in Electronic Product Assembly and Servicing II at the same center because it offers free training and assessment for technicians. According to him, it helped him hone his skills, learn new knowledge, and apply it to his existing business. 

In addition, he has a branch in Tibanban, Governor Generoso, and Davao Oriental. According to him, his business is going well. Both shops offer cellphone accessories and memory cards; he also repairs LCDs and offers mobile wallets to allow his customers to accept cash-in and cash-out. By doing so, he can compare his life and income before moving to the province with what he has now. He is hoping that what he learned in TESDA will help him help other people as well through his business. [SMAC – Ira Monica M. Tan]

PTC-Davao holds TESDA Technicians Fair ‘23

As the Provincial Training Center–Davao takes on social responsibility and upskilling the Filipino workforce, the institution has launched a capability building for twenty-five (25) members of Pinoy Technicians Davao Chapter to enhance their skills in Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS). The center provides free skills training and assessment to help them get a National Certificate in EPAS NC II.

PTC–Davao identifies the twenty-five beneficiaries to undergo the EPAS NC II training for thirty-three (33) days to equip them with the fundamental and advanced knowledge in the qualification and prepare them for the institutional and national assessment, respectively. 

To further support their training, the center organized an event dubbed “TESDA Technicians Fair ‘23” in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Davao City Field Office to provide a lecture on business name registration and entrepreneurship seminar. We wanted to assist them in establishing their own start-up business, a cellphone and electronics repair shop because most of them are self-employed. 

Ms. Rea May V. Villota, Senior Business Counselor of DTI - Davao City Field Office conducted an entrepreneurship forum entitled Entrepreneurial Mind Setting to 25 Pinoy Technicians Davao Chapter, Trainees of EPAS NC II, on its third day of staging the TESDA Technicians Fair ’23 event held at the Provincial Training Center–Davao.

She discussed the different programs and services offered by the DTI to scale up small businesses. She emphasized the importance of knowledge about consumers' and business owners' rights. Then, she presented the step-by-step process for business name registration.

This activity aimed to assist the Pinoy Technicians in using the TESDA-acquired skills to launch a business. With the support of the specialized incubation and acceleration programs provided by the agency, entrepreneurs can explore business expansion, financing, and other strategic options.

She encouraged every aspiring entrepreneur to participate in the formal economy, as the MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy.

During the 4-day event, from May 23 – 26, the trainees themselves offer free cellphone repairs to TESDA employees. Also, they will display cellphone parts and accessories.